If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Reply from Many Tears regarding the Cocker with SM

A few posts below I mentioned about the Cocker at Many Tears with SM. Well it really bugged me that they were thinking of re homing the dog with SM that was bunny hopping at 6 month of age. So I couldnít help it and emailed them this email. (Sorry Margaret I used a few sentences from your post as you put it so perfectly)
The first one is my email to Many Tears and the second one is their response. What do you think? Personally I donít know what to think; to me it feels like my email has fallen on deaf ears. I know itís a rescue and they are busy and trying to do their best but I think that dog is either never going to get a home or it is going to go to a home where they think his quirky little habits are ok and the dog is going to live in pain.
My Email

Dear Many Tears

To start I would like to say that I love the work Many Tears do and a few of my friends have adopted from your rescue. Also I do not want to tell you what to do as with all your years of experience you are more qualified that I ever will be. I am writing to you as two out of my three Cavaliers ( not from Many Tears) have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia this year.
It has taken a long time to get the medication correct, even being with one of the best neurologists in the UK (Clare Rusbridge) it has been a long road and a heartbreaking struggle. I am lucky that i am insured as the medication for one dog costs about £150 a month also the MRI at £1500.

I don't know if Lingo has seen a neurologist but as he is bunny hopping he will be in pain. Don't be fooled by the dog happily playing, my dogs still do that but I can also tell when they are having bad days. If this is really SM then nobody will know what time will bring, but it is known that young dogs with such very early-onset symptoms will usually deteriorate rapidly.
This dog could face a very uncertain future placed in a home that may not be able to cope.
Will this puppy find a permanent home with someone who is knowledgeable to know what they are taking on, knowledgeable enough to monitor and seek effective treatment when his symptoms worsen and with enough money to pay the considerable ongoing cost of the advice and treatment he needs.

Even if the owner can truly comprehend how much time and money such a dog may need, how can they ever truly understand what heartbreak, anxiety, and soul-searching is involved in living with a dog with SM?

Syringomyelia is truly a terrible disease what breaks your heart every day.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

Sabine

The Response

Hi SabineThank you for your concern. Lingo has been to see a specialist for his condition. He was also absolutely petrified when he first came in so is also getting his confidence aswell. We will make sure that any potential adopter knows what they are taking on if they are interested in him.